Depakote seizure medication

About Depakote

Depakote and Depakote ER (extended release) both contain valproate semisodium or Divalproex sodium as the active ingredients. It is used as the medication against different types of seizures, alone or combined with other seizure drugs. This medication is also used as treatment of manic-depressive disorder, especially in the manic phase of the illness, major depressive disorder and neuropathic pain. Some doctors may prescribe Depakote as the prevention therapy for people suffering from severe migraineheadaches.

Adverse Effects in Children and Adults

In children younger than 2 years old, Depakote can rarely cause very serious liver failure. Liver problems are more likely to happen to children using combination of medications for the treatment of their seizures. Also, children suffering from metabolic disorders or from some mental impairment caused by brain diseases are more likely to experience liver problems when using Depakote. Brain infections and injuries, MS (multiple sclerosis) and Creutzfeld-Jacob or Huntington diseases are some of the diseases that might make your child more prone to liver failure associated with the use of this drug.

Depakote may cause damage to your liver. Because of that, if you notice: nausea, vomiting, low fever, abdominal pains, loss of appetite, changes in the color of urine and stool or yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, it is necessary to call for urgent medical help. Pancreatit is is also rare but life-threatening condition that might develop in people using Depakote.

Adults using Depakote are prone to mood changes, anxiety, depression or hyperactivity. Any of these changes must be reported to yourdoctor.

There is a possibility that the patients using Depakote might develop suicidal or thoughts about hurting themselves. Because of that, it is important that people around the patient know that fact and watch closely for any unusual change in the mood and behavior. If you are on the treatment with Depakote, never miss your appointment at the doctor’s.

Precaution Measures

Certain people need to adjust the dose or take special tests in order to use Depakote safely. These are patients suffering from HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infections and bleeding and blood clotting disorders. Also, anyone who has a history of head injuries, coma or brain disorder and a family history of infant deaths without known causes should be careful before starting the treatment with this drug. Urea cycle disorder in the family or liver diseases are also factors that should not be neglected.

Pregnant women and breastfeeding moms should not take Depakote. This medication is classified as FDA pregnancy category D of the medications, meaning that is known to cause harm to unborn children and nursing babies. Your doctor must be informed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Never start the treatment with Depakote without your doctor’s recommendation.